I'm going to be graduating this May from college and have been looking at job postings online. I am interested in joining a rotor wing maintenance facility but it seems like every place I look at needs at least 4 years of experience.
I have worked all my summers off at fixed wing FBO's. I feel like I have more experience than my graduating class but unfortunately none in rotor wing. I was just looking for suggestions on how to enter the field or past experiences on how other people entered the field.
Thanks

First off, even if it says 4 years, apply, but write a damn good cover letter explaining why you make a good fit. Letters of recommendation from the FBO's will help too. Apply at larger companies like Dyncorp, L-3, AAR, and so on to get your foot in and get experience. Also, it's who you know. Good luck out there.

Posted By fldair on 01/18/2012 7:54 AMFirst off, even if it says 4 years, apply, but write a damn good cover letter explaining why you make a good fit. Letters of recommendation from the FBO's will help too. Apply at larger companies like Dyncorp, L-3, AAR, and so on to get your foot in and get experience. Also, it's who you know. Good luck out there.

Oh, you didnt say if you had an A&P. If so follow my first reply, if not, go to an A&P school, or join the military for a while.

As has already been stated, by all means apply if you have your A&P. Sure, it will be a long shot, but keep applying. I like to call and follow up on my resume. It will come down to who else is applying for the job. Highly competitive jobs may be difficult to get because you have no experience.

Another thing to keep in mind that if the company is rather large, the HR department may weed out candidates way before hiring managers ever get a chance to see them. This situation is working against you. Smaller companies may have hiring managers make the decision on who to hire. If you keep applying for jobs, and the same managers keep seeing the same name, they know your serious. Use this to your advantage.

If you are able to get an interview, you have a shot at getting the job. At this point it comes down to building a rapport with your interviewer. Remember, its not about you knowing everything there is to know about helicopter maintenance, its all about making friends at this point. In some cases, employers are willing to take a risk on a newbie mechanic because they can train them the way they want. Experienced mechanics tend to come with baggage and also cost a premium.

If you get turned down, don't take it personally. Keep pushin on. Keep applying. Keep cold calling. You will eventually be rewarded in your efforts.